At the Drive-In was an American post-hardcore band from El Paso, Texas, for… Read Full Bio ↴At the Drive-In was an American post-hardcore band from El Paso, Texas, formed in 1994. The band most recently consisted of Cedric Bixler-Zavala (vocals), Omar Rodríguez-López (guitar, vocals), Paul Hinojos (bass), Tony Hajjar (drums) and Keeley Davis (guitar, vocals). After several early line-up changes, the band solidified into a five-piece, consisting of Bixler-Zavala, Rodríguez-López, Jim Ward, Hinojos and Hajjar. At the Drive-In released three studio albums and five EPs before breaking up in 2001. Their third and final album before their split, 2000's Relationship of Command, received a number of accolades and is cited as a landmark recording. Following the breakup, Bixler-Zavala and Rodríguez-López formed the Mars Volta while Ward, Hinojos, and Hajjar formed Sparta. At the Drive-In reunited in January 2012 and played the 2012 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, as well as the 2012 Lollapalooza Festival. In 2016, the band reunited for a second time, with guitarist and occasional lead vocalist Jim Ward no longer participating. He was replaced by Sparta's Keeley Davis. The band released their fourth studio album, in•ter a•li•a, in 2017. At the Drive In headlined the Neon Desert Music Festival in 2018 in El Paso, Texas. The band announced an indefinite hiatus in November 2018.

Instigate the Role
At the Drive-In Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Strip off the shell
Give me the honor
Walk into the middle of the road
Give me the honor
How does it feel
Give me the honor
How does it look down there
Rolling

Rolling
Rolling
Rolling

we've got your instigation
You're subject instigation
We've got your instigation
You're subject instigation

Under the spotlight
Appearing under the spotlight
I'll never run under the spotlight
Killing under your daylight
I won't under

Walking the line
Attribute the honor
Cash power one back drop silhouette
Attribute the honor
How does it feel to look in the mirror
Attribute the honor
Through the winds through the wind and then it goes
Rolling
Rolling
Rolling
Rolling

We've got your instigation
You're subject instigation
We've got your instigation
You're subject instigation

Under the spotlight
Appearing under your spotlight
I'll never run under the daylight
Killing under the moonlight
I won't under

We'll instigate
Instigation under the spotlight
We'll instigation appear under
We'll insti-, we'll insti-, we'll insti-,
We'll instigate
We'll instigate till the opening
We'll instigate your sin
Yeah!

White power, white backdrop silhouette
White power, white backdrop silhouette

White power, white backdrop silhouette
White power, white backdrop silhouette

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of At the Drive-In's song Instigate the Role seem to be a commentary on power dynamics and the desire to be in control. The repeated demand of "give me the honor" suggests a thirst for recognition and status. The image of "stripping off the shell" could be interpreted as shedding personal inhibitions or societal expectations in order to take charge. However, the lyrics also suggest that this desire for power and control can be destructive, as seen in the lines "killing under your daylight" and "white power, white backdrop silhouette." The repeated use of the word "instigation" implies that this desire for control may come at the expense of others, or through manipulating and stirring up conflict.

The lyrics also make frequent use of the image of being "under the spotlight," which further emphasizes the theme of power and control. The idea of being in the spotlight implies being watched and judged, and suggests a desire to be seen and admired. However, the repeated assertion of "I'll never run" suggests a defiance or refusal to submit to this pressure. Overall, the lyrics convey a complicated and multifaceted perspective on power and control, acknowledging both the appeal and the dangers of pursuing these things.

Line by Line Meaning

Strip off the shell
Remove the outer layer

Give me the honor
Grant me respect

Walk into the middle of the road
Put oneself in a position of danger

How does it feel
What is one's emotional response

How does it look down there
What is the appearance of the lower area

Rolling
Continuing forward

we've got your instigation
We are inciting you

You're subject instigation
You are the targeted recipient of incitement

Under the spotlight
Being watched by many

Appearing under the spotlight
Being observed while making oneself apparent

I'll never run under the spotlight
I will not retreat when in the public eye